On the Front Lines of the Culture Wars

Judge tells feds they can’t dictate how we pray

A federal judge has told federal veterans officials that they have no business telling anybody how to pray – and must drop their ban on prayers that conclude “in Jesus’ name.”

U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes told the director of the Houston National Cemetery and Department of Veterans Affairs officials that they could not block Houston pastor Scott Rainey from invoking the name of Jesus Christ in a Memorial Day prayer.

Rainey sought a restraining order against federal officials after he was given guidelines about how he could pray, according to Houston radio station KHOU.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes said, according to CNN, that the government cannot “gag citizens when it says it is in the interest of national security, and it cannot do it in some bureaucrat’s notion of cultural homogeneity.”

Pastor Rainey had offered an invocation during Memorial Day ceremonies at Houston cemetery for several years. This year, however, cemetery director Arleen Ocasio informed Raney that she wanted to see a copy of the prayer ahead of time. Rainey’s prayer included the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and thanked Jesus in closing. Ocasio returned the prayer to Rainey, saying it was inappropriate.

“While it is very well written, I must ask you to edit it,” Ocasio informed him. “The tone of all messages must be inclusive of all beliefs, need to be general and its fundamental purpose should be specific to those we are honoring, and non-denominational in nature.”

She informed Rainey that if he wanted to give the invocation, he would have to comply.

“I’ve never said a prayer in my life that didn’t end with Jesus Christ,” Rainey said. “It was unrealistic expectation for me not to include the name of Jesus Christ.”

So, he sought an injunction against the agency, claiming the government was censoring his speech. He asked the federal court to stop officials from dictating how he could pray.

According to United Press International, Rainey argued in the federal hearing that how he prays is protected by the First Amendment’s guarantees of free speech. The federal judge agreed with him.

Hours after the judge sided with him, the government backed off. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Hindrichs assured Judge Hughes verbally that veterans officials “will not demand that Memorial Day prayers at Houston National Cemetery be as non-denominational as possible,” reported Terri Langford in the Houston Chronicle.

“The agency will let the prayer go on,” Hindrichs told the judge.

Nevertheless, Federal Judge Hughes granted the temporary restraining order. Hughes said that while he was not doubting the government’s word, he was “an experienced optimist” who didn’t want to leave room for the government to change its mind before the Memorial Day ceremony.

The judge warned the agency it had stepped too far, saying officials were essentially “decreeing how citizens honor their veterans.”

“The judge rightly and strongly ruled that the VA’s attempt to censor Pastor Rainey’s prayer violates the Constitution and dishonors the veterans Memorial Day is meant to honor,” he said. “We are glad that the government conceded that its position against Pastor Rainey’s prayer is wrong.’

Pastor Rainey said that while he was disappointed that it took legal action to enforce his position, “I am glad that the judge agreed that removing Jesus’ name from my prayer is unconstitutional. I am honored to be allowed to pray in the name of Jesus at this somber remembrance of our nation’s fallen.”

Yay for Pastor Rainey! What part of “or prevent the free exercise thereof…” do these people not understand?!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Joseph A. Kinney

Praise God!

It is about time that religious practice be seen in an inclusive rather than exclusive light as was seen by the Veterans Administration.

Certainly we need to be tolerant toward the practices and beliefs of non Christians. We can achieve this without sacrificing our traditions.

Joseph Kinney, Pinehurst, NC

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Monzetta Oakley

I am glad to see that a stand is being taken. We as a country, as well as, believers must draw the line. Consider the state of our schools today as a result of prayer being removed. There is no regard for authority at all since they do not reverence God. This has also caused a dominoe effect within our society. That name of Jesus is above all names and should not be compromised. I do not feel that we should apologize for the basic tenet our belief system. Bravo Pastor Rainey!!!

http://AddaURLtothiscomment fAYE bASS

I AGREE WITH PASTOR rAINEY.AND WE SHOULD PUT PRAYER BACK IN THE SCHOOLS,also at sport events.
we are a nation ;UNDER GOD;

http://community.beliefnet.com/lulu2/blog/ Ellie Dee

Thank God for Pastor Rainey. Smutt,crude language and sexting are seem as freedom of speech. Its time, the Name of all that is GOOD,is allowed to be spoken, in the American conscience.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Lee Witte

Enough already with the “repeats” ! We expect more. Even from beliefnet.com.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Timothy

Absolutely wonderful. Pastor Rainey, thank you.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment Kathy

We need more people like Pastor Rainey! Our gov. is heading down the wrong path. Time to head back to the right path.

http://AddaURLtothiscomment JM

Great job Pastor, was Ocasio of Islamic belief? we are in a Holy War

http://praisejersuschrist Joe Harrison

no one has any business telling anyone how to pray ..or for that matter ….they can’t pray…when the first thing a soldier does when he goes into batle is pray to GOD…..this natiion needs to learn
that GOD is in control….now and will always be in control…

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